I'd have picked Quade: Farrell and Lions relieved at Cooper omission

The Lions have expressed their relief and surprise at Quade Cooper’s omission from the final Australia squad for the forthcoming three-Test series.

When Robbie Deans confirmed the addition of a further six players to his provisional 25-man squad on Monday, Cooper was not included.

It was a devastating but anticipated setback for the maverick playmaker who was involved in a drunken confrontation with door staff and members of the public at a Brisbane bar on Sunday, having captained Queensland Reds against the Lions the previous day.

The 25-year-old has been out of favour with Deans since late last summer when he publicly criticised the ‘toxic environment’ with the Wallabies under their Kiwi head coach. Nevertheless, the Lions are surprised to learn that they won’t have to confront such a potentially dangerous opponent.

Asked for his reaction, defence coach Andy Farrell said: ‘I’m pleased. He’s a bloody good player. If I was the coach, I’d want him in my side because he’s such a good player. Having said that, I don’t know the background; the ins and outs of why he’s not been selected.

'But he’s certainly a handful and brings a lot to the party, so I’m pretty pleased.’

However, Farrell rejected the notion that without Cooper, the Wallabies would lack distribution class, adding: ‘I think they have got quite a few backs who can pass, with (Kurtley) Beale back in the squad, (James) O’Connor and (Adam) Ashley-Cooper.

Guard of honour: Cooper shone against the Lions for the Queensland Reds

Surprised: Andy Farrell was shocked and relieved to see Cooper left out of the Australia squad

'They’ve got a magnificent back line, but I just think Quade adds something a little bit different.’

While Cooper has been over-looked by Deans for this showpiece series, another of Australia’s notorious bad-boy backs, Beale, has been welcomed back into the fold.

The Melbourne Rebels full back, who started at No 10 in the Wallabies’ most recent Test, against Wales in Cardiff, has been fast-tracked back into the national ranks soon after checking into a clinic in Sydney for counselling following the latest in a series of alcohol-related incidents.

His last drunken controversy involved a fight with two team-mates after a Super 15 fixture in South Africa which led to him being stood down ‘indefinitely’.

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Now his exile is over and Deans said: ‘We know what Kurtley is capable of in this arena. He showed that as recently as last year’s tour, when he performed outstandingly and led the team from fly half in adverse circumstances against many of the opposition players we now face again.

‘His work last week during the first camp supported our contention that it was not too soon for him to get started again, from either a physical or a mental standpoint. His physical state is a testament both to how hard he has worked but also his desire to get started again.’

Deans also confirmed that Reds lock James Horwill will captain Australia against the Lions.